Romanian rapist goes on the run despite being sentenced to serve 10 years behind bars

A 34-year-old rapist has gone on the run despite being sentenced to almost a decade in prison.Alexandru Oprea was sentenced to eight years and 10 months in prison on Friday at Chelmsford Crown Court. The court heard that Oprea “voluntarily absented himself” from his trial, where he was convicted of rape, sexual assault, harassment, and exposure.He was also found guilty of importing a weapon into the country. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say A warrant for his arrest has been issued by the courts, but he has yet to be found.Judge Alexander Mills decided to continue with the sentencing despite Oprea’s absence, rather than postponing the matter, saying: “There’s no telling when or if he may be apprehended.”Chelmsford Crown Court was also told that Oprea, who resides in Leicester, had shown a “lack of respect for the court system and law and order. Prosecutor Christopher Youell said that Oprea had no previous convictions in the UK or Romania.He went on to say that Oprea committed “violent sexual assaults“ in 2023.Mr Youell further described the impact on the woman as “life-changing, possibly life-ruining.” LATEST DEVELOPMENTSHenry Nowak killer left 'cowering in cell' after facing 'threats' from other inmatesTeenage girl killed after being ran over by 'stolen' digger in Essex parkBritish-born Somali sexual predator jailed after blackmailing Muslims as young as 15Judge Mills stated that the woman had been left feeling “extremely scared” by Oprea, who is said to have made a death threat against her.Judge Mills said: “It was deliberately intimidating conduct.“It was coupled with emotional blackmail.“All of this was intended to reduce the complainant to a state of submission.” The judge then declared Oprea a dangerous offender before adding: “The defendant indicated very clearly in terms that he is prepared to do whatever it takes to enforce what he believes to be his rights.“I have no doubt that he would seek to do so in the future.”Oprea was sentenced to eight years and 10 months behind bars, with an additional three years to be served on licence. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter